The Flesh of God, Salvation of Man

FaithWalkDaily October 28, 2008

I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. ~ John 17:15

Today's Encouraging Word from KLOVE truly must be read in context to get the full meaning of Jesus' prayer for us.

I went all the way back to John 13 to learn that Jesus had been speaking when the apostles had gathered with Him for their last supper before His crucifixion. He had washed their feet and shown them how to serve in order to lead. He will soon show them how to lead by giving His own life.

Jesus has now revealed He is, without question, God Himself and that His remaining time on earth is short.

Jesus knew what we would face in His absence, as the gospel began to spread, would be difficult at best, deadly for many. He didn't ask God to remove us from the battle, but to protect us from the enemy we would have to face. It was inevitable, undeniable, and already written in future history. He knew Satan would come out blasting both barrels at us.

So today, I'm reminded that the One I pray in the name of, already prayed for my protection. The Son is our mainline connection with Almighty God, omnipotent creator. I love the picture he paints for us in John 15 of the grapevine, of the important and omniscient way we're entwined with His spirit.

This is a particularly good time of year to be thinking about how the sneaky adversary creeps into the vine to try to cut us off from the source of our growth. Where are you particularly weak in your life? Are you tempted by greed? Food? Drugs or alcohol? Pornography? Lust? Uncontrolled anger? Fear?

Let's trust in Jesus who is our intercessor for every need. He knows every detail of our lives and where we need Him most. In our darkest moments, in our weakest moments, let's remember to call on our Savior, who has already called on God for our protection. In His flesh, we meet God.

Holy Spirit, remind us in our weakness we are strong in Christ. When the enemy comes tapping on our hearts seeking entrance, would we boldly send him away in the name of Jesus. Especially protect our children during this season when the world finds joy in celebrating and imitating evil. Help us to remind children that the only One worth celebrating, the only One worth emulating, is the Lord God Almighty who always protects us from the evil one. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.